Bioscience space proposed for The Island Quarter

Tess Egginton
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Bioscience space proposed for The Island Quarter
Approximately 190,000 square feet of bioscience space is being proposed for Nottingham’s Island Quarter development. Developer, Conygar has revealed that it is currently finalising a detailed planning application, and is progressing discussions with a potential funding partner, for the space. It expects to submit the application in the coming weeks. The building will include both laboratory and office space, as well as conference facilities and car parking and be located adjacent to an existing bioscience hub. Conygar added: “We continue to progress the detailed designs for subsequent phases and are in advanced discussions with potential investors in connection with further commercial and residential developments and would hope to make announcements in that respect over the coming months.”

Record revenues expected at Van Elle following strong first half

Tess Egginton
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Record revenues expected at Van Elle following strong first half
Strong trading momentum has been reported through the first half of the year at Van Elle, the ground engineering contractor, according to a trading update for the six months ended 31 October 2022. The company says that all divisions have operated at high activity levels, with significantly increased revenues delivered in Housing and General Piling. As a result, the group expects to report record revenues for the period of approximately £81m, representing an increase of 35% on the prior year comparative of £60.1m. Profit before tax is expected to exceed £3m for the period, up from £1.9m. Van Elle meanwhile has indicated that although there has been some easing in supply chain disruption during the period, inflation, and in particular wage, fuel and materials costs have continued to impact the group. Looking ahead, the firm said: “Whilst recognising the current economic uncertainty in the UK, strong activity levels are expected to be sustained through the second half of the year, despite the winter months which traditionally deliver lower activity levels due to weather disruptions. “The Board is pleased with the progress made in the first half of the year and anticipates trading for the full year to be slightly ahead of market expectations.”

“Robust” trading and new CEO for Forterra

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“Robust” trading and new CEO for Forterra
Forterra has revealed that Neil Ash will become Chief Executive Officer designate on 3 April 2023, following the announcement that Stephen Harrison will be stepping down as CEO during the first half of 2023. 

Neil has almost three decades’ experience in the building materials sector and an impressive track record of improving performance and delivering growth. Currently at Etex, the Belgian lightweight building materials manufacturer, he leads the Building Performance division which is a €2 billion revenue business. During his time at Etex Neil oversaw major capex projects, significant acquisitions, and developed its sales approach which delivered strong top line growth. 

His experience includes 15 years at Lafarge, where he undertook many roles, including the role of Vice President International Business Development and Sales and Commercial Director UK & Ireland of Lafarge Plasterboard.

Justin Atkinson, chairman, said: “We are very pleased to appoint Neil as the next CEO. His business leadership and extensive building materials sector knowledge will be invaluable to Forterra in the next stages of our development and the Board looks forward to working with him.

“The Board and I are grateful to Stephen Harrison for the significant contribution he has made to the business during his tenure as CEO. We wish him all the best for the future after he leaves Forterra in the second quarter of 2023.”

The news comes as Forterra provides an update for the ten-month period ended 31 October 2022, in which trading “has remained robust” with YTD sales volumes in line with last year. The firm says this reflects ongoing production capacity constraints and record low inventory levels. Group revenue in the period was 23% ahead of the prior year, driven by selling price increases. Full year results are expected to be in line with management’s expectations.

Stephen Harrison, CEO, said: “Trading remains robust although we are watchful of the impact of the recent instability in financial markets and the reported negative impact this is currently having on the housing market.

“The group enters this uncertain time in a position of strength having a strong balance sheet with low levels of debt and high levels of cash generation. Inventories remain at record low levels and despite the current uncertainties we remain well-placed to mitigate the effects of a softening of demand by substituting imported bricks with domestically manufactured product.”

Eden PR adds new Account Manager to growing team

Michael Fisher
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Eden PR adds new Account Manager to growing team
Eden Public Relations is pleased to welcome Conor Davies as its newest Account Manager, following a roll of new client wins in Q3 and Q4. Leading Midlands-based public relations and marketing communications agency Eden PR has strengthened its account management team with the appointment of Conor Davies. Joining the team with a variety of industry experience, Conor brings a range of valuable skills to the Eden team, including strong journalistic and web copywriting, event management and client relations as well as social media content strategy. He will be a core part of the agency’s growing account management team, helping to oversee work for a variety of Eden’s clients, as well as management of the junior members of the team. Conor brings six years of agency and in-house communications experience to the team. He has worked across a range of B2B and B2C sectors, including charity, sport, IT and the healthcare sector among others. Within these roles, he’s helped to implement press campaigns for events across the UK, Ireland and the USA, including running press days and carrying out interviews for features, press releases and social media content. Conor said: “I am delighted to be joining the amazing team at Eden PR and am excited to start working with my clients. It’s a very busy and fast-paced time to be joining Eden, with lots going on and new client wins. 2023 is looking like a big year for us! “The team at Eden have been incredibly welcoming so far, and already have helped me to feel at home. Everyone is incredibly supportive of each other and I’m looking forward to continuing my own self-development, as well as overseeing the growth of our client-base and fantastic junior staff at our Lace Market office.” Joint Managing Director at Eden PR, Kathryn Greenwood, said: “It’s been great to add Conor to our growing team at Eden. He will help oversee the account management for some of our biggest accounts and we are excited to see the ideas he will bring to the table.”

East Midlands Chamber urges region’s businesses to get involved with devolution consultation

Michael Fisher
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East Midlands Chamber urges region’s businesses to get involved with devolution consultation
East Midlands Chamber is urging businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to get their voices heard by taking part in a consultation over devolution plans. The four upper-tier local authorities in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire last week launched a public consultation into proposals to establish an East Midlands County Combined Authority. Set to be formed in 2024, the overarching authority would give the two counties more decision-making powers on areas such as transport, adult skills training, and the environment, as well as bring £1.14bn in extra funding over a 30-year period. The consultation, running from 14 November until 9 January, is open to residents, businesses, community and voluntary groups, and other organisations in the region. East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The devolution deal for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire is a huge opportunity by providing a political structure that removes obstacles to decision-making, enhances the ability to attract investment and ultimately creates an environment conducive to business growth. “It will help these counties to take strides forward in productivity and innovation, enabling firms to drive the economic growth that creates jobs and wealth locally. “Devolution also gives businesses a greater say over what happens in their area as they will be represented within the proposed governance structure. “The Chamber is supporting these plans to create a mayoral county combined authority, but it’s important the full business community’s views are heard so we would urge organisations of all shapes and sizes to get involved with the consultation.” The leaders of Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council signed up to work on a devolution deal on 30 August this year at the Rolls-Royce factory in Derby, following an announcement from the Government that a package of new powers and funding worth £1.14bn were available for the area. Since then, the councils have been working on agreeing a more detailed proposal for consultation, which includes more information about how devolution would work in the two counties. The public consultation, which features a survey, represents the next step in the process, allowing everyone the chance to give their views on proposals. To take part in the consultation, visit www.eastmidlandsdevolution.co.uk

Honorary professorship for Leicestershire business leader

Tess Egginton
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Honorary professorship for Leicestershire business leader
An honorary professorship has been bestowed by De Montfort University upon a Leicestershire philanthropist and business leader. Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, has been appointed Professor of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Philanthropy for the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, some 35 years after he completed his PhD in Medicinal Chemistry. Since leaving education, Dr Kotecha has become a well-known entrepreneur, having founded Loughborough-based Morningside Pharmaceuticals in 1991, which he divested of in October this year. In 2017 he established his own charitable foundation, the Randal Charitable Foundation, which has an aspiration to directly save 1 million lives in the UK and globally. Dr Kotecha, who is also a pro chancellor at DMU, said: “I was carefully considering a career in academia after university, and with 30 years in business instead, I never thought I would be receiving the title of ‘professor’. “To now be honoured with this title is special. DMU teaches many students who are in the situation I was in 40 years ago. Many are the first generation of their family to go to university, from disadvantaged families and diverse ethnic cultures. “When I meet their families and see these young people walk by me onto the stage at graduations, in my role as pro chancellor, I am incredibly proud that DMU has provided these excellent graduates with the opportunities they deserve.” For Dr Kotecha the honorary professorship is particularly special because his family came to Leicester 50 years ago as refugees, when he was a child, after the Ugandan Asian community were expelled by the Dictator Idi Amin. Supported by his parents, he was able to secure a County Council grant, which enabled him to gain a first-class (Hons) degree in Newcastle, and then his PhD at Imperial College London with further doctoral research at the University of Cambridge. As part of his new role, Dr Kotecha will be delivering guest lectures, while sharing his expertise with students and academics across all faculties, with a focus on enterprise and innovation development, as well as student employability. Talking about his ambition to share his own experiences, in the hopes of inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, Dr Kotecha said: “Education opened many doors and gave me important chances in life. I would be humbled if today’s students would see my story as an inspiration to raise their aspirations and follow their own dreams. It takes passion, commitment, hard work; but can be achieved by anyone who has the will and a positive attitude. “I started Morningside from a home garage 30 years ago and grew it through entrepreneurship and embracing innovation into a global pharmaceuticals manufacturer and exporter. I hope that I will be able to share my story with students and inspire them to say, ‘if he can do it, I can do it’. If this is the case, then I will have succeeded in my role as professor.” As well as sharing his experiences with the students, Dr Kotecha will also be taking up an advisory role with the university’s Leadership Team; drawing on his experience as an influencer in business, politics, and philanthropy. This experience as a regional and national leader in the business world includes being chair of the East Midlands CBI, a Department for International Trade Export Champion; and a Board Member for the Midlands Engine Council, the Centre for Social Justice, the British Asian Trust and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP). Talking about the advice he plans to share with students, Dr Kotecha added: “I was there making life-changing decisions as a student in the 1990s, so I understand what today’s students are going through now. I would like to help them discover that the skills they have learned in academia will open them up to so many more exciting opportunities in the world. “My advice would be, find your passion. Then when you find your passion, discover your purpose in life. And having discovered your purpose in life, find your career.” Congratulating Dr Kotecha on his appointment, pro-vice chancellor and dean of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Simon Oldroyd, said: “DMU is so proud to welcome Dr Kotecha as a professor of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Philanthropy. He is one of Leicestershire’s great business success stories and he has helped millions around the globe. “The vast experience Dr Kotecha has accrued in the world of medicine, business and philanthropy over 35 years, coupled with his incredible drive to succeed and help others, will bring huge benefits to our students, academics and the wider community.”

Another successful year for the East Midlands Expo

Tess Egginton
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Another successful year for the East Midlands Expo
Last Monday (14 November) the annual East Midlands Expo descended on the East Midlands Conference Centre, with Business Link in attendance as partners. Proving once again to be a huge success, the event organisers have already received “fantastic feedback” from exhibitors and delegates alike. Free to attend, the established event of over 20 years presents everything you require for the ultimate day of business generation. The day of networking opened to attendees at 9am, and welcomed speakers Alex Thornton (Human Alchemy), Mark Rayers and Tony Goddard (BSP Consulting), Luke Prout (Streets Chartered Accountants), and Andrew Pritchard (East Midlands Councils), all offering some positivity on what has been a year of uncertainty. A sold out networking lunch also took place. The East Midlands Expo will return in 2023. For more information click here.

Nottingham Castle closes to visitors as Trust begins process of appointing liquidators

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham Castle closes to visitors as Trust begins process of appointing liquidators
Nottingham Castle Trust has begun the process of appointing liquidators, with the Castle grounds and exhibitions closing to all visitors until further notice. Tim Bateson and Chris Pole of Interpath Advisory have been nominated by the board to be appointed as liquidators to formally wind up the affairs of the Trust. Their appointment will take place during the course of the next ten days. A statement from Nottingham Castle says: “We would like to thank all the Castle’s supporters, including the thousands of visitors that have been through our gates. Finally, a huge thank you to staff and volunteers who made Nottingham Castle such an amazing place to visit.” The news follows work to transform the castle, with a £31m redevelopment project including the refurbishment of the 17th century Ducal Palace, medieval Gatehouse, and sprawling cave networks. A new Visitor Centre, located within the foreground of the remodelled landscape, meanwhile, was created to provide new guest facilities. Visitor numbers have been lower than anticipated, while the Trust has seen a number of controversies. Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for leisure, culture & planning, Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, said: “It is a matter of huge disappointment that Nottingham Castle Trust, which has been responsible for operating Nottingham Castle, has informed us that in light of its trading performance, it is in the process of appointing liquidators and closing the site, which it will be handing back to the council. “This is clearly a significant blow for the city and its visitor economy. The council’s immediate priority is to work with the appointed liquidators to support those staff at the Castle who have been affected by this sad news, and to safeguard the site and its collections while it is not operational. “We appreciate the significant efforts that the employees of the Trust have put into the site and understand how devastated they must be by this news. “We will re-open the castle as soon as possible. Once we have a clearer picture from the liquidators, we will explore all available options together with our key partners The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and others to develop a fresh business model. “There is a real commitment from all parties to see this important cultural asset fulfil its full potential for the city and the wider region as a successful visitor attraction, playing a key part in our wider plans to bring investment, jobs, visitors and growth to Nottingham and its residents.”

Wilko enters talks for £30m loan

Tess Egginton
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Wilko enters talks for £30m loan
Nottinghamshire-headquartered Wilko is in talks to land an emergency loan as cost pressures grow for retailers as we approach Christmas, according to The Times. Wilko is said to be looking to alternative lenders for a £30 million injection, entering the talks after being unable to agree to an extension of its revolving credit facility, due to interest rate rises. The news follows the business agreeing a sale and leaseback deal with DHL at its Nottinghamshire distribution centre to unlock £48 million. The company said this would be just the first of a series of positive partnership benefits that would allow the business to further improve the proposition and the customer experience across its 402 stores and wilko.com.
At the time, Jerome Saint-Marc, wilko CEO, said: “It’s standard business practice to constantly review how we manage our finances. This property deal with DHL represents long-term stability for us and our team members and is the right response to the current market conditions and our priorities. “We’re making smart choices to trade a business and allow us to continue to invest in our long-term transformational strategy. Wilko remains family owned and continues to focus on helping hard working families to be the best that they can be, delivering great value products to our customers.”

Mobility products manufacturer secures J28 warehouse unit

Tess Egginton
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Mobility products manufacturer secures J28 warehouse unit

Commercial Property Partners (CPP) has let a 64,002 sq ft modern warehouse facility at The Nursery in South Normanton to Pride Mobility UK Limited.

The US company, the designer and manufacturer of mobility products, recently acquired the Nottinghamshire-based rise/reclining chair manufacturer Sitting Pretty with a view to relocating its whole operation to accommodate future expansion plans.

Unit 2, which forms part of The Nursery industrial scheme, offered Pride Mobility three times the space of the previous manufacturing site, with circa 85 staff relocating to the new base, which also enjoys easy access to Jct 28 of the M1, only one mile away.

Built in 2006, Unit 2 is a detached steel portal frame unit with 10m clear working height, four dock level loading doors, two level access loading doors, a two storey open plan office with canteen and welfare facilities. Externally, the unit boasts a 40m concrete, fenced and gated yard and circa 80 parking spaces.

Wincobank Way forms part of the South Normanton industrial estate, an established commercial location which has attracted numerous key occupiers including Eurocell, Alloga UK, Radius Systems and GXO Logistics. Road connectivity and access to a local skilled labour market also help to underpin the location as a sought-after manufacturing and logistical base.

Sean Bremner, director at CPP, said: “Staff retention was a key requirement for the tenant and so finding a solution within relative close proximity to their existing premises was important. The company is very brand conscious and Unit 2 represents a high quality building to fit the profile of Pride Mobility UK Limited.

“There was a lot of interest in the facility and we’re delighted to have secured Pride Mobility UK Limited whose expansion ambitions can only be good for the area.”

Stephen Wright, operation director at Pride Mobility UK, said: “Thanks to Sean Bremner, CPP & the owners of the Building. We have been able to move into this building much quicker than we expected, which in turn has given us the space we desperately needed due to the business growing rapidly since acquiring Sitting Pretty back in July 2021.

“The new building gives us the space we need to move the whole operation under one roof, including dispatching goods from South Normanton instead of our Pride Mobility subsidiary in Oxfordshire and more importantly being able to keep all of our existing staff and their wealth of experience rather than having to relocate the business to a different area.

“From January 2023, Sitting Pretty by Pride Mobility Ltd will be running its newly polished, full scale operation out of South Normanton for the foreseeable future.”

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